Indonesia, the world’s fourth most populous country, has officially joined BRICS, the bloc of major emerging economies comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Brazil’s government announced the development on Monday, describing it as a significant expansion of the group, which aims to reshape global governance and amplify the voice of developing nations.
A Strategic Move for Indonesia
Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the announcement, calling BRICS membership a “strategic step” to enhance cooperation with other developing nations. The ministry’s statement emphasized principles of equality, mutual respect, and sustainable development, noting that joining the bloc aligns with Indonesia’s aspirations to strengthen emerging economies and advocate for the interests of the Global South.
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“This achievement shows Indonesia’s increasingly active role in global issues and commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation to create a global structure that is more inclusive and fair,” the statement read.
Path to Membership
Indonesia’s journey to BRICS membership began during the 2023 summit in Johannesburg, where its bid was approved unanimously by the bloc’s member states. However, the formalization was delayed until after Indonesia’s presidential election. President Prabowo Subianto, who assumed office in October, saw the country’s entry as a step forward in fostering global collaboration.
Brazil, which holds the BRICS presidency in 2025, played a key role in facilitating Indonesia’s inclusion. “Indonesia shares with the other members the will to reform the institutions of global governance and contributes positively to cooperation within the Global South,” Brazil’s government stated.
Expanding BRICS’ Reach
Initially comprising Brazil, Russia, India, and China, the bloc was formalized in 2009, with South Africa joining the following year. In recent years, BRICS has expanded its membership significantly, adding Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates in 2023.
The inclusion of Indonesia marks another milestone in BRICS’ push to increase its influence as a counterweight to Western dominance. The bloc’s expansion is rooted in its mission to promote multipolarity in global affairs and reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar in international trade.
De-Dollarization and Economic Cooperation
One of BRICS’ key objectives is “de-dollarization,” aiming to reduce the dominance of the U.S. dollar in global trade. Many members accuse Washington of using the greenback as a political tool, and the bloc has even floated the idea of creating a common currency.
Brazil, under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has indicated its commitment to advancing these efforts during its presidency. The government has proposed developing new mechanisms to facilitate trade between member nations, signaling a potential shift in global economic dynamics.
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Indonesia’s entry into BRICS further solidifies the bloc’s role as a champion for the Global South. The Southeast Asian nation’s shared commitment to reforming global institutions, coupled with its economic and demographic strength, is expected to bolster the group’s collective influence. The announcement also highlighted Indonesia’s gratitude to Russia, the 2024 BRICS chair, for its support in facilitating the process.